The history of measles: A scourge for centuries

Measles has been a scourge for centuries, afflicting millions of people. It has been blamed, in part, for decimating native populations of the Americas as Europeans explored the New World. In modern times, before a vaccine was developed, nearly every American contracted the virus, with its telltale skin blotches and fever. Measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, but has staged a comeback as the inoculation rate has dropped. Here’s a history:

You never hear of measles at all in Singapore where (I believe) 100% of kids are vaccinated. It’s hard to believe that something as good and effective as vaccination can become so ‘vilified’ in the minds of a population. America really is quite a screwed up country.